Borough prepares streetscape plan

Marysville Borough Council is fine-tuning its proposed Marysville square and subway streetscape project.

Council was concerned over using taxpayer money toward the project. The project has received $208,500 in federal grants and $115,000 in state grants, council member Ann Simonetti said at a March 24 meeting.

Council wants to decide what to do before discussing further action with Kairos Development Corporation, the firm hired to prepare the design.

Three designs were assembled by Kairos. Council chose one option that included a public plaza in the front of existing shops, a "festival cafe," a curbless ground plan and planted trees.

The subway stairs would be illuminated and be oriented toward Heritage Park and Routes 11/15. A mural is proposed for the stair wall, illuminated at night. The boat launch would be improved.

The project will be scaled back, as a result of lack of funding.

Simonetti proposed focusing on the northern side of the downtown area.

"I think that makes the most sense because that is what we appear to have enough money for moving forward," Simonetti said.

Council decided to set exact plans in place before approaching Kairos. Simonetti said she will continue to look for funding for the project.

Council member Roger Barrick said council has "a reality to face' over a lack of space if the project is going to be aimed toward bringing in new businesses.

"We're not Newport; we don't have 30-40 businesses along a street," Barrick said. "What are we revitalizing and spending the money for if we don't have the space?'

Planning commission vice chairperson Lori Mohr asked council to consider using taxpayer money, as she believes the streetscape project will bring new business into the borough.